Acclaimed former Kirov Ballet star Marat Daukayev provides amazing performance opportunities to his students each December in The Nutcracker.

Daukayev performs the role of Drosselmeyer in this festive holiday favorite. The classic ballet features battling mice and soldiers, an enchanting snow forest, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

The performances feature more than 130 dancers, ranging from ages 3 to 21. Marat Daukayev has been presenting the Christmas favorite at the Luckman for close to a decade, which is the subject of Serene Dilman’s documentary titled “Getting to the Nutcracker.”

The musical was produced through the collaboration of Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Chun Un Temple in Cebu, Philippines and the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Cebu Chapter in 2007. Depicting the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Indian prince who became the Buddha, the musical incorporated songs from the “Sounds of the Human World” written by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. It has also embraced elements from the Filipino and Indian cultures, music, and arts. Another distinctive fact is that almost all of the performers are Catholics, and the play is directed and choreographed entirely by Filipino artists.

To date, the musical has been staged for a total of 108 times and attracted more than 100,000 people in the audience. It has been shown in Cebu, Manila, Iloilo, and Bacolod in the Philippines; Taiwan; the United States of America; New Zealand; Japan; Malaysia; and Singapore. In November 2013, the entire cast and crew of Prince Siddhartha: The Musical were invited by FGS Hsi Lai Temple to perform in the U.S.A. for the first time.

Weaving a rich tapestry of culture, soul, and deeply-rooted heritage, flamenco captures the essence of Spain. La Rubia Productions is proud to present the return of “Herencia Flamenca,” featuring an all-star showcase of flamenco artists poised to set the stage at the Luckman theatre afire. Barcelona-born dancer Yolanda Arroyo and guitar virtuoso PacoArroyoperform with special guest dancer AngelMuñoz direct from Córdoba along with some of Spain’s hottest singers and musicians.

Herencia Flamenca draws upon the passion and depth of flamenco to transport the audience to the heart of Spain. Since its premiere in 2014, Herencia Flamenca has garnered recognition and praise from audience members and media outlets alike. Their unrestrained energy, raw emotion, and commanding virtuosity have been described as “impressive” and exhibiting “outstanding skill” by well-established dance critics. This dynamic company represents the finest of traditional and contemporary flamenco.

In Barcelona, Paco and Yolando performed on the legendary stages of Los Tarantos and Las Cuevas. Throughout their various tours, they have shared the stage with flamenco greats, including Manuela Carrasco, El Extremeño, Pansequito, Capullo de Jerez, Maruja Garrido, Vicente Gelo, la Familia Rubichi, Paloma Marín, El Yunke, Pastora and José Galván, Domingo Ortega. In 1986, Paco and Yolanda toured France and Japan with the legendary flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla and his guitarist, Tomatito. That same year, Paco and Yolanda re-located to Los Angeles and founded Herencia Flamenca, their flamenco company.

This dynamic and talented couple has also toured the USA and Venezuela. In the Los Angeles area, they have performed in countless venues, including El Cid, Alex Theatre, Royce Hall, Fountain Theatre, Barnsdall Theatre, The Grand Annex, El Patio, Bar-Celona, Magipolis Theatre in Santa Monica as well as the Lobero Theatre and El Paseo in Santa Barbara.

Special guest dancer, Angel Muñoz was born in Córdoba, Spain. He was principle dancer with the companies of José Antonio and María Pages and internationally acclaimed guitarist Paco Peña as well as with María Benitez in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Muñoz has appeared in the movie Callas Forever directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and performs often in London, the U.S., and throughout Europe. Most recently, Angel was nominated for the 2015 British National Dance Awards, Best Classical Choreography for his collaboration with Paco Peña on Flamencura and continues to teach and perform worldwide.

Paco and Yolanda Arroyo welcome Angel back to Los Angeles for the 2018 Herencia Flamenca performances at the Luckman Theatre.